Gou Zai Fei Men made up myths

At the same time, major forces such as Burning Heaven Valley, Five Poisons Sect, and Beast Taming Mountain, as well as countless small and medium-sized forces and reclusive old monsters, all felt the terrifying fluctuations coming from the direction of Qingyun Mountain. Countless gazes, some greedy, some suspicious, and some fearful, traversed thousands of mountains and rivers to focus on them.

"Investigate! Investigate immediately! What exactly happened at Qingyun Sect!"

"An ancient secret realm has emerged? Or has some extraordinary treasure been created?"

"Quickly! Gather everyone and get ready to depart! We can't let anyone else get there first!"

The earth-shattering changes in the core area of ​​the Flowing Cloud Secret Realm were like pouring a ladle of ice water into a boiling oil pot, instantly igniting the situation in the entire Southern Region of the Eastern Wilderness.

The dazzling pillar of light that pierced through the heavens and earth, along with the ancient Daoist charm and terrifying energy fluctuations contained within it, could not be concealed at all. Within just a few days, it had spread far and wide, pushing the previously unknown Qingyun Sect into the limelight.

Outside Qingyun Mountain, undercurrents surged. Spies from various factions, like sharks smelling blood, swam around the outer perimeter of the mountain's protective array, trying to discern the truth.

Although the behemoths such as the Lieyang Sect, the Fentian Valley, and the Five Poisons Sect did not make a move immediately, the signs of them mobilizing their troops were already very obvious. The heavy pressure was like dark clouds looming over the hearts of every Qingyun Sect disciple.

Within the sect, the atmosphere was extremely tense. The mountain-protecting formation was fully activated, its light flowing endlessly. All disciples had their external missions canceled and were on guard duty day and night. Pills and talismans were distributed to everyone, creating an atmosphere of impending great battle. Panic and unease quietly spread among the lower-ranking disciples.

Inside the main hall of the sect leader, the lights were bright. Shen Mo summoned all the Foundation Establishment elders and core deacons of each hall to make the final decision. The atmosphere inside the cave was oppressive; you could hear a pin drop.

Su Xiao was the first to report the worst news: "Sect Leader, a secret report from the Hundred Treasures Pavilion states that the Blazing Sun Sect has dispatched a delegation led by Master Chixiao, carrying a decree to 'investigate unusual activity and maintain peace in the Southern Region.' They are heading towards our sect and will arrive within three days! The vanguard scouts from Burning Heaven Valley and the Five Poisons Sect have also appeared a thousand miles away! Their intentions are not good!"

Han Lin's old face was full of worry: "Chi Xiao's personal arrival must be at the behest of a Golden Core cultivator! This situation is unlikely to end well. They will surely use the pretext of investigating the unusual phenomena to force their way into our sect, and may even demand control of the secret realm!"

Shi Tie slammed his hand on the stone table, abruptly standing up, his beard and hair bristling: "What the hell are we afraid of! If they want to fight, then let them fight! If they want to enter the secret realm, they'll have to step over my dead body first! Senior Brother Sect Leader, let me lead the brothers of the Battle Hall to guard the front line, and we'll make sure they don't return alive!"

"Senior Brother Shi, please calm down," Zhao Qingyan said calmly, her beautiful eyes gleaming with analytical insight. "A direct confrontation is definitely not the best strategy. The Lieyang Sect delegation is merely a pawn in the open; countless eyes are watching from the shadows. Once war breaks out, our sect will be annihilated in an instant. The most urgent task is to find out the root cause of the anomaly in the secret realm! Only by seizing the initiative can we maneuver effectively."

Li Xiaocao also said softly, "Senior Sister Zhao is right. The anomalies in the secret realm are unpredictable; if it's a calamity, we must prepare accordingly; if it's an opportunity… it might be the key to our sect breaking through this predicament!"

All eyes finally focused on Shen Mo, who had remained silent throughout. His decision would determine the survival of the sect.

Shen Mo slowly raised his head, his gaze sweeping over everyone, calm and composed, yet carrying an undeniable power: "War is the worst possible strategy, a mutually destructive force, which is not my wish. Retreat is nowhere to retreat to; the secret realm is the foundation of our sect, and we must not allow it to be lost. Defend is to sit and wait for death, a dead end."

He stood up, walked to the huge map of the secret realm on the cave wall, and pointed precisely at the unexplored area marked "Chaotic Sea" in the core region. His voice was resolute: "The only way now is to take the initiative, delve into the core of the secret realm, find out the truth behind the anomaly, and seize control of the situation before anyone else!"

"What?"

"Sect Leader, are you going in yourself?"

"Too dangerous! The disturbances at the core of the secret realm haven't subsided; the energy is raging, and the unknown risks are too great!"

Everyone was shocked and tried to dissuade them. The core of the secret realm was a place that even Ancestor Liuyun kept secret, and no one dared to venture deep into it under normal circumstances. Now that such a drastic change had occurred, the level of danger was unimaginable!

Shen Mo raised his hand, silencing the discussion, his gaze sharp as a sword: "Only by seeking victory in danger can we have a glimmer of hope! Surrounded by powerful enemies, they will not give us time to slowly investigate. Only if I personally lead the team, relying on my partial control over the secret realm and my Flowing Cloud Body, can we have some confidence in finding out the situation in a short time."

"If we can control the source of the anomaly, or obtain a great treasure, our sect will have the confidence to deal with the outside world! If it is a calamity... I must personally confirm it and make plans as soon as possible!"

He looked at everyone and assigned tasks: "My mind is made up! I will personally lead this expedition, with Shi Tie, Su Xiao, and Zhao Qingyan accompanying me. Junior Brother Tie is brave and can handle any unexpected battles; Junior Sister Xiao is quick-witted and will be responsible for vigilance and intelligence analysis; Qingyan has the highest cultivation in array formations and can deal with any ancient restrictions that may exist in the core area."

"Xiao Cao will stay at the Pill Hall to ensure the supply of medicinal pills. Elder Han will oversee the central command, coordinating the overall situation and maintaining morale! Sun Hao and Xiong Meng will assist Elder Han in guarding the mountain gate!"

"Sect Leader, Senior Brother!" Shi Tie, Su Xiao, and Zhao Qingyan stepped forward in unison, their expressions solemn, showing no fear, only determination.

"This journey is extremely dangerous. Are you all willing to come with me?" Shen Mo asked in a deep voice.

"We are willing to live and die with the sect leader (senior brother)!" the three said in unison, their spirit soaring.

"Alright!" Shen Mo nodded emphatically. "Without further ado, prepare immediately. Meet at the entrance to the secret realm in one hour!"

With the order given, the entire sect sprang into action once again, like a finely tuned machine. Li Xiaocao's Pill Hall retrieved all the best healing, detoxifying, and restorative pills from its inventory.

Han Lin opened the secret vault and retrieved his treasured escape talismans and protective magic treasures; Zhao Qingyan seized the last moment to reinforce the temporary seal of the secret realm entrance and refined several special array plates to stabilize spatial sensing.

An hour later, the entrance to the Flowing Cloud Secret Realm appeared.

The originally dazzling pillar of light had slightly diminished, but the white jade archway still shimmered with light, the space fluctuated violently, and it exuded a chilling aura.

Shen Mo, Shi Tie, Su Xiao, and Zhao Qingyan, all fully armed, stood in front of the door.

Shen Mo, dressed in a green robe, exuded a profound aura; Shi Tie, clad in heavy armor, wielded earth-shaking gauntlets, radiating a murderous aura; Su Xiao, in a close-fitting outfit, carried a long sword on his back; Zhao Qingyan, in a formation master's robe, was surrounded by a faint halo of runes.

Han Lin, Li Xiaocao, Sun Hao, Xiong Meng, and other senior members who remained behind, along with many disciples who rushed to the scene upon hearing the news, gathered at the entrance plaza. Everyone had a solemn expression, and their eyes were filled with worry and anticipation.

"Sect Leader, be careful!" Han Lin said in a heavy voice, handing over a storage bag full of supplies.

"Senior Brother Sect Leader, please take these pills!" Li Xiaocao's eyes were slightly red as she stuffed several jade bottles into Shen Mo's hands.

"Sect Leader! We await your triumphant return!" Sun Hao, Xiong Meng, and other disciples of the Battle Hall roared in unison.

Shen Mo accepted the supplies, glanced at everyone, and said in a deep voice, "The sect is entrusted to you all! Guard the mountain gate well and wait for our return!"

Having said that, he no longer hesitated, turning to face the entrance where light flowed. He formed hand seals, activating his Flowing Cloud Dao Body, and an aura identical to that of the secret realm emanated from him. He uttered a low shout: "Open!"

hum!

The white jade archway shone brightly, forming a stable vortex passage. Shen Mo took the lead and stepped in! Shi Tie, Su Xiao, and Zhao Qingyan followed closely behind, their figures instantly swallowed by the light.

The light at the entrance slowly faded, leaving behind a somber crowd in the square.